Choice Program
Definition of the Choice Program
All students in Five Star Schools are assigned to attend a specific school based upon the geographical attendance area of their residence. However, parents/guardians have other options based on a state law requiring open enrollment in all Colorado school districts. If students wish to attend another school, they can apply through the district's Choice Program.
How do parents/guardians get their children into the Choice Program?
Parents/guardians wishing to have their students attend a school outside of their regular attendance boundary must go through the application process. Applications are available at all Five Star schools and at the reception desk of the Educational Support Center, 1500 E. 128th Ave.,Thornton. The form may also be downloaded from the district website, with both English and Spanish versions.
[application forms].
What are the due dates for applications?
There are two due dates for acceptance of the applications, one for priority consideration and the other for secondary consideration. The deadline for priority consideration of choice applications for 08-09 is the last school day before January 15, 2008. Parents and students submitting an application for priority consideration will be notified of the results of their application in February 2008.
The second and final deadline to submit a choice application for 08-09 is March 15, 2008. These applications, which are received between Jan. 16 and March 15, 2008, will be considered based upon the date of the application, facility capacity, staff availability, and budget of the school being requested. Notification of approval or denial will be made no later than the first week of April. Applications for Choice received after March 15, 2008 will not be considered for the 08-09 school year.
What are the due dates for applications?
There are two due dates for acceptance of the applications, one for priority consideration and the other for secondary consideration. The deadline for priority consideration of choice applications for 08-09 is the last school day before January 15, 2008. Parents and students submitting an application for priority consideration will be notified of the results of their application in February 2008.
The second and final deadline to submit a choice application for 08-09 is March 15, 2008. These applications, which are received between Jan. 16 and March 15, 2008, will be considered based upon the date of the application, facility capacity, staff availability, and budget of the school being requested. Notification of approval or denial will be made no later than the first week of April. Applications for Choice received after March 15, 2008 will not be considered for the 08-09 school year.
How many schools may a student request?
Each applicant has a first and second choice. If the first requested school is filled, then the second choice request will be considered.
Where do parents send the completed applications?
Completed applications should be sent to: Choice Processing, 1500 E. 128th Ave., Thornton, CO. 80241. No faxed copies will be accepted.
What happens if the number of requests exceeds the spaces available for priority consideration?
If the number of requests exceeds the spaces available for priority consideration in a given school, a lottery will be held.
What are the criteria for acceptance to a Choice school?
Acceptance to a Choice school outside of a student's attendance area (boundary school) is based upon several criteria: availability of space, sufficient teaching staff, appropriate programs, and necessary facilities for special needs students. Furthermore, any student expelled or in the process of expulsion is omitted from consideration per Colorado state law.
Does approval for Choice guarantee acceptance into a school's full-day tuition-based kindergarten?
No. Once you are approved for Choice, it is for the half-day program only. All-day tuition based kindergarten programs have a tiered acceptance priority: first priority is for students living within the school's attendance area; second priority is for students outside of the boundary attendance area but who reside within the school district; third priority is for students who reside outside of the district. See the school's principal for more information.
Is the Choice Program available to new residents of the district?
New residents to the district may apply to the Choice Program, and
the same criteria for consideration and acceptance apply: space,
facilities, etc.
Who is responsible for transportation of students to and from a Choice school?
Students who receive approval of their Choice application and attend schools outside their assigned attendance area are responsible for their own transportation to and from the school. Boundary information can be viewed here.
How long is Choice approval valid?
First of all, the duration of a Choice placement is valid only for the grades which that school serves. For example, if students attend a Choice elementary school, the approval is valid to the end of grade five. However, students must reapply through the Choice Program to attend a middle school that is out of their school boundary area. The same applies for the transition from middle school to high school. If they do not apply, the students' placement automatically reverts to their boundary school.
Secondly, continuous enrollment must occur for the Choice status to remain valid. If a student withdraws from a Choice school, the Choice status becomes null and void; the student would have to return to his/her attendance boundary school.
Lastly, approval of an application for Choice becomes the student's assignment to that school for all grades served by the school, as long as there are no significant changes in that school's enrollment or facilities. Parents need to note that the school district is experiencing growth, and that may impact capacity and consecutive year choice placement.
What happens to a student's Choice status if the family moves within the district?
There are two options: 1) The student can remain at the current Choice school, but parents must continue to provide transportation to that school. OR 2) The student can enroll in the new boundary school and must provide proof of residency within that school's boundary. If option two is selected, the Choice status becomes null and void.
What happens if the school district changes school boundaries and current Choice students want to go to a new boundary school?
There are two options: 1) Students can remain at the current Choice school and parents must continue to provide transportation to that school. OR 2) Parents must notify the current Choice school by March 15th of that school year that the student will not return in the fall. In addition, parents must contact and register at their new boundary school. If option two is selected, the Choice status becomes null and void.
Will Choice affect a student's athletic eligibility?
Students' athletic eligibility status is determined in accordance with the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) rules. For specific information, contact the district athletic director at the Educational Support Center.
How and when does Adams 12 Five Star School District determine the schools that are open for Choice?
By December 10 of each year, the district will determine the specific schools open to choice. A list of the schools will be published on the district Web site and through other district publications. That decision is based upon space, adequate budget, and sufficient staffing at each school to accommodate additional students.
If siblings attend a Choice school, does an applicant automatically get into that school?
No. However, when possible, priority will be given to siblings' applications so that families will attend the same school.
What happens if a sibling applies to a school closed to Choice?
Because of crowded conditions, requests to schools closed to Choice will be considered only if a sibling is currently enrolled at the school requested and if there is space available. However, if a sibling is currently enrolled at that school but will graduate or advance to another level before the new sibling enters, Choice will not be granted.
How are applications from special needs students handled?
Applications for Choice from special education students will be approved if the requested school has adequate space, staff, facilities, budget, and if the requested school can meet the requirements of the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) within the existing resources.
Will applications from out-of-district students be considered?
Applications for Choice from out-of-district students will be considered within each deadline period only after the requests of in-district students have been considered. In-district students have priority over out-of-district applicants.
If students apply for Choice, receive approval, and change their minds, what happens?
Since the new Choice school officially becomes the home school, the students have to reapply to go to another school or back to the original boundary school.
Can the District make physical changes or staffing changes to a school to accommodate Choice students?
No. The District cannot change the physical building or make alterations to the arrangement or function of rooms; it cannot expand programs, add staffing, or waive eligibility requirements to accommodate Choice students.
Are special programs in the district part of the Choice application process?
No. For example, International Baccalaureate, charter schools, all day tuition-based kindergarten, alternative programs, etc. are not part of the Choice process. These programs have an application process and criteria that are particular to that school or program. Contact the administrator of those programs for application information.
Can Choice placement be revoked?
Yes. Choice placement can be revoked at any time the building/district administrator documents that the placement is unsuccessful. Criteria for revocation are connected but not limited to the following: prompt and regular attendance in accordance with school and district policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; conduct in accordance with district and school policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. If the placement is revoked, the student will enroll in his/her original boundary school in or outside of the district.
Is there an appeal process for revocation or denial of Choice?
Yes. A student and/or parent/legal guardian may request review of the decision by letter to the superintendent's designee within seven school days of the denial or revocation of the Choice placement. The parents/guardians will be notified in writing of the designee's decision within seven school days after the receipt of the appeal letter. If denied, parents may appeal further by a written letter to the superintendent within seven school days. They will receive a decision in writing from the superintendent within seven more school days.
Schools Open to Choice
By Dec. 10 of each year, Five Star Schools will publish a list of schools in district publications and online that are open to Choice for the following school year.
Click here to view the list of schools open to choice
Choice Forms
Click here to download a Choice application.